The Rhythm Project is a world percussion ensemble of talented young artists who have earned international acclaim for their traditional authenticity and high-energy performances. Serving as the primary community engagement program of the Virginia Arts Festival, the Rhythm Project bridges the gap between musicians and audience through creative and educational performances that display the vivacious nature of Caribbean culture. With two CD recordings and a live DVD completed, the group constantly moves forward into new artistic territory.

Founded in 1996, the program started in Portsmouth, VA. The Rhythm Project has since then expanded and now serves over 100 fourth through twelfth grade students in the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.The Rhythm Project All Stars is the program’s premiere performing ensemble, and the 2009 and 2010 Grand Champion Winners of the annual PANorama Caribbean Music Fest held in Virginia Beach, VA. The ensemble has an impressive steel band repertoire that ranges from the calypsos of Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, Ray Holman and Andy Narell to arrangements of well-known classical compositions and popular music by the Jackson Five, and several Caribbean pop artists.

The Rhythm Project All Stars has performed for thousands of audience members throughout the United States and Canada; including performances at two of the world’s largest Tattoos, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and the Virginia International Tattoo.They have opened for Gladys Knight, collaborated with the Girls Choir of Harlem, and performed with George Collinet of Public Radio International’s Afro-Pop Worldwide.Additionally, the Rhythm Project has performed at the 2005 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), as well as for audiences in Chicago, IL and Baltimore, MD.

Being proponents of multi-cultural education, the Rhythm Project conducts events for youngstudents throughout the Hampton Roads region of Southeastern Virginia; the most significant of which is entitled Rhythm Live!.This fully staged production outlining the evolution of Caribbean Steelpan and Calypso music in Trinidad and Tobago is presented annually to an audience of over 1500 elementary through high school students.

Rhythm Project Director, Sophia Subero, and Associate Director, Dave Longfellow, are dedicated to ensuring that the Rhythm Project's mission of multi-cultural artistic excellence and educational outreach is realized.

For more information on the Rhythm Project, contact Sophia Subero at the Virginia Arts Festival:  757-282-2823 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FAQ

* Are there open tryouts?
Auditions are held at either a central location for each district or at specific schools within each district in the fall during the first month of classes. Location Information and times are available from the band directors and/or choral directors at each participating school.

* How long are students involved with the Rhythm Project?
Rising Stars are accepted for two to three years. After which point they either audition for the All Stars or age out of the program. Once a student becomes an All Star, if remaining in good standing with attendance and discipline, they may participate in the program until graduating High School.

* Must you be a student of one of the named Middle Schools?
Yes. Exceptions are made for admittance into the Hampton Roads Rising Stars and the Junior All Stars.

* Are the groups for hire?
Yes. The groups are for hire. Please call for details or fill out a performance request form.

Performance Request Form

Print the request form and fax it to Sophia Subero Rhythm Project Director at Fax: (757) 282-2787 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .